I love being Marné's mommy.

Marné has been in her crib for 45 minutes fussing off and on. I walked in there again to replace the pacifier that had made its way out of the crib yet again. I couldn't resist picking up my baby as she stood there in the corner of her crib with tear-filled eyes. We sat down in the rocking chair to calm her down. Instead, she wanted to play. She put her little hand all over my face. She is very interested in faces lately, especially noses. She relaxes better when I'm standing up. So, we stood for awhile. I kissed her goodnight and laid her down in her crib. I gently patted her belly, and she grabbed my hand with both of her little hands. She started moving my hand up and down her tummy. She loves back scratches, tummy scratches, head scratches, arm scratches, but she's never asked for it like that. "We" proceeded to rub her belly. Then she moved my hand to her head and rubbed it around. This back and forth went on for several minutes. I couldn't help but laugh. She was being so adorable. She started to giggle behind her pacifier. I couldn't resist tickling her even though I knew it wouldn't help the sleep situation. We played for a few more minutes, and she laughed hysterically. How can she be growing up so quickly? She brings joy and amazement every day. I found Teddy (her favorite bear), and she snuggled up to him. After a few more minutes, I walked out of the room. I love being Marné's mommy.

Leelou Launch Party!

Leelou Blogs offers lots of darling blog designs and buttons. They are having a launch party this week with tons of giveaways. Go check it out!

Teething & Tylenol

Marné has been teething for weeks. I've been able to see six big bumps on her upper gums for quite a while. She's generally been very pleasant throughout the experience until the last couple of days. She's been waking up several times a night, when she typically sleeps straight through. Last night she woke up at two o'clock and then again at four o'clock. At four, Spencer and I decided to give her a dose of Tylenol. I pulled out the bottle, and Marné smiled. "Does she remember what this is?", I thought to myself. I dropped the gooey, purple, grape stuff in her mouth, and she said, "Nuuumm." (I've only heard her say this word twice!) I rarely give Marné Tylenol or any sort of medicine, but I think she just might love the stuff. She definitely gets that from her dad who asked the doctor for more demerol when waking up from an endoscopy several years ago. I guess she might get it from me too, I remember loving Benadryl when I was younger and had allergies. It would make me sleepy, and I thought that was great. I even tried to give some to my best friend at a sleepover when we were eight years old. Don't worry, my mom overheard our little convo in the bathroom and came rushing in. We had a nice long talk about the purpose of medicine. I'll have to keep a close eye on this little one in the future. Silly baby!

Ode to Pink Christmas

Several weeks ago, I was working on things and thinking about when my Pink Christmas envelope would arrive. This little poem made its way into my head. Let me tell you, I am horrid with poetry (and writing, for that matter). I don't really enjoy it because I usually don't understand it. My husband, who is wonderful at writing anything, was pretty impressed with my attempt. I thought all you Pink Christmas gals might get a kick out of it. So, here it is.

Ode to Pink Christmas

Pink Christmas I saw in Feb. 2008
But alas, it was o’er;
I’d found it too late.

Pink Christmas had photos of gifts galore.
Posted on their blog;
What could these be for?

Pink Christmas I’ll try, I said to myself.
Next year I will be,
Someone’s Pink Christmas elf.

Pink Christmas, it slipped far from my mind.
Then blog hopping one day,
What did I find?

Pink Christmas sign-ups occur in July.
Remember next year,
To give it a try.

Pink Christmas does good for a family in need
Gals sign up to help
Such a wonderful deed.

Pink Christmas picks a family to help each year
Donations are sent,
To spread Christmas cheer.

Pink Christmas does more than you bargained for
Because it connects girls
From shore to shore.

Pink Christmas sends letters with goodies inside
Each gal gets a girlfriend
To send a surprise.

Pink Christmas we do to help out mankind.
There’s no greater service;
The joy we find!


If you aren't participating in Pink Christmas this year, make sure you sign up next year! I've had such a blast so far, and the fun is just beginning!

Asparagus . . yum!

I've been in a cooking sort of mood lately. We went to the farmer's market and bought some fresh asparagus. The season is ending. So, I found two yummy chicken and asparagus recipes to try. We enjoyed them both. The first was chicken and asparagus in white wine sauce found here. I used chicken broth in place of the white wine. I LOVE the taste of lemon, so I would put in a bit more lemon juice next time for me. It was delicious! The second one was chicken and asparagus crepes found here. This was super yummy and so creamy! Again, I used chicken broth in place of the sherry. I didn't love the asparagus in this one as much as the first recipe. I think this recipe would be really tasty with broccoli. I LOVE broccoli. Try them out, and let me know what you think!

Getti's Accessories

I went to the mall on Friday with my mom, and I saw a friend I used to dance with at BYU. It was great to talk to her and hear an update on what she's been up to. She told me about the company she is starting, and it looks awesome! It's the perfect, innovative layering solution! I hate wearing another shirt under tops that are a little bit too low or too wide, especially in hot weather! Check out her products here. Doesn't this look awesome? Can't wait to order one to try!

Creamy White Chicken Chili

I'm back from a long blog vacation. My mom was here for the last three weeks. My dad was also here for the first week. We had a blast! I can't wait to visit them in New York for Christmas!!! It turned cold here recently, and every time the weather gets chilly, I crave soup! I've been excited to try this recipe for a while, but had to wait out the summer. I received this recipe from a friend I used to work with. It is super yummy! I hope you enjoy it!

Creamy White Chicken Chili

3-4 chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. oil
1 medium onion

Combine in large pot and saute until chicken is cooked. Then, add the following to the skillet mixture:

2-3 cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 14 oz. can chicken broth
1-2 cans green chilies
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. cumin

Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes covered. Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup whipping cream before serving.

I made a few adjustments to this recipe. I added a bit more cumin and oregano after it had simmered. I'm a big fan of tasting while I cook and add more stuff as I go. I also used whole milk instead of whipping cream because that's what I had on hand and it's a little less fat. Next time I'll try fresh garlic in place of the garlic powder and saute that with the chicken mixture. Spencer and I ate this yummy soup with some sourdough bread. Marné even enjoyed a few bites. I used one can of chilies, and it wasn't spicy at all.

Ten Things I love about cold weather . . .

It turned chilly, rainy, and a bit snowy this weekend. The sky is dark and cloudy. It's the kind of day that makes you want to stay inside and curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket. While enjoying my extra long, hot shower this morning, I started thinking of all the things I enjoy about cold weather because I certainly do not enjoy driving in the snow. I actually hate it, and it will happen most of the winter. So, I'm looking on the positive side today.

1. Hot showers that last a really, really long time. (Loved mine this morning!)
2. Homemade soup and bread (Trying a new recipe tomorrow.)
3. The wonderful smell of apples, cinnamon, pine trees and more that makes me think of the holidays up ahead.
4. Baking! It's hard to want to bake in the summer when you live in a third floor apartment with vaulted ceilings and Southwest facing windows that collect heat!
5. Curling up on the couch with a blanket and one of my favorite magazines - Shape, Fitness, or Martha Stewart.
6. Afternoon naps on the sunny part of my couch. Well, if I had time to take a nap, I would enjoy it.
7. Watching the snow fall.
8. Creamy, rich hot chocolate made in my Cocomotion!
9. Fall and Winter wardrobes! Sweaters, coats, boots, scarves, mittens . . . I love them all!!!
10. Getting Marné when she wakes up and bringing her into bed with us. She loves to cuddle and crawl around in the blankets. It's the best way to start any day.

Time to gear up for Winter!

Good Pink Mail

It's here! My Pink Christmas envelope arrived yesterday. I was thrilled to see it in Spencer's hands when he walked through the door! I can't wait too look through all of the wonderful sites and think of what to send to my Pink Christmas girlfriend!

Mom-Prenuer Shop-a-thon

Laurie over at Tip Junkie is hosting a Mom-Prenuer Shop-a-thon for the holiday season. What a great idea to do your shopping early and online and buy from moms! There are lots of great sites listed. Check it out!